Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

When Father Peter Do arrived in Louisville from Vietnam at age 17, he and his family were welcomed by Catholic Charities’ Migration and Refugee Services. "Catholic Charities helped us tremendously because without them, we couldn’t survive," said Father Do, who now serves as pastor of St. Michael Church in Jeffersontown. The agency helped the family with housing, food, job searches, and education as they adapted to life in the United States.

Migration and Refugee Services, a department of Catholic Charities formed in 1975, is marking its 50th anniversary this year. According to Alison Voit, director of Migration and Refugee Services, the agency’s work extends beyond the individuals it serves and helps make Louisville a more welcoming city. "We’re representing the city of Louisville in that work, the community of Louisville in that work, by welcoming people, making sure that they have what they need to get adjusted to life in a new culture, a new country, a new city," Voit said.

The agency has assisted clients with finding housing and employment, learning English, and adapting to American life. It is Kentucky’s official representative of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops for refugee resettlement. This partnership ended in April following a federal executive order suspending refugee admissions.

Voit explained that the work benefits the wider community as well: "So, when we go to JCPS (Jefferson County Public Schools), a partner of ours, or when we go to UofL Hospital, and we’re forming new partnerships and helping them to understand our clients, and helping our clients to understand how the system works, oftentimes we’re laying a foundation that makes it easier for other people to access systems in the community."

Father Patrick Delahanty, who worked for the agency from 1988 to 2000, noted the impact of refugee resettlement on the local community. "Individuals resettled by Catholic Charities have become Louisville’s professionals," he said. He added that the city's diverse restaurants and markets are "a result of refugee resettlement."

Before its formal establishment in 1975, Catholic Charities and local parishes had been resettling refugees since 1948 following the Displaced Persons Act. Since then, the department estimates it has helped more than 23,500 individuals from countries including Vietnam, Bosnia, Cuba, Sudan, Somalia, Haiti, Myanmar, Afghanistan, and the Congo.

The agency’s services have evolved over time. Immigration Legal Services began in 1992 and became a separate department in 2000; Language Services started in 1998 and also became its own department two years later.

Earlier this year, the agency shifted its focus after a federal executive order suspended refugee travel to the United States. "Now, Migration and Refugee Services is focusing on providing 'wrap-around support' and a 'deeper level of engagement' to their resettled clients," Voit said.

Voit reported that English as a Second Language classes remain full and that many clients continue to seek help navigating changes in federal policy and finding jobs. Recent pilot programs include financial literacy courses and industry-specific vocational training. The youth program is also expanding to include after-school activities and a bicycle program.

"There’s still work to do," Voit said. "It’s not work we can or have ever done alone." She emphasized the need for volunteers, administrative help, and donations.

During the Jubilee of Migrants at the Vatican on October 4-5, Pope Leo XIV stated: "Today the frontiers of the missions are no longer geographical, because poverty, suffering and the desire for a greater hope have made their way to us." He encouraged Catholics to welcome and serve "migrant brothers and sisters" according to their means.

For more information about Migration and Refugee Services or to get involved, visit cclou.org/migration-and-refugee-services or cclou.org/volunteer.